hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

In hindsight, it's clear there were alternatives.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Examples of hindsight in a Sentence

It's easy for us to say that the war was wrong, but we have the advantage of hindsight.

Recent Examples on the Web

The hindsight also provided a blueprint to avoid, transitioning from a story lacking perspective to one that has its purpose clearly defined. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

But in hindsight, Sheen notes that Macchio may have ultimately been limited in roles because he was so identified with that franchise. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

The preseason play wasn’t encouraging, and Canales’ decision to rest the starters in the exhibition finale looks even more puzzling in hindsight, especially after the offensive group produced three three-and-outs and one touchdown drive. —Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

Though in hindsight, Super Mario 64 provided nothing like what’s on display here in Bananza. —Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hindsight

• twenty-twenty hindsight

Rhymes for hindsight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened